11 Endocrinology Apps for Docs' Toolboxes

Even if endocrinologists aren't already suggesting smartphone apps to their patients, they've likely been asked to offer up recommendations. Although a few experts contacted by MedPage Today said they never suggest apps to patients, many said they do, especially for their diabetes patients -- an area in which developers have been finding a lot of work. The majority of these apps run on both Android and iPhone, and there are even some reference apps that endocrinologists find themselves using on the job.

To Recommend to Patients:

1. BlueStar: You'll have to do more than just recommend this app. You'll actually have to write a script. Developer WellDoc boasts the first prescription app OKed by the FDA, and claims its advantage is real-time feedback on blood sugar levels. Patients are told to change their diet or do some exercise based on their results. Being prescription-based also opens the door to insurer reimbursement.

2. Glooko: Also cleared by the FDA as a device, this system interfaces with many of the most popular glucose meters on the market to track blood sugar data. In addition to blood glucose readings, patients can track carbs, count calories, and visualize their metrics.

3. mySugr: Diabetes is a monster in this FDA-approved app, which comes in both a Companion and a Junior version. The challenge is to lock up the monster by hitting blood sugar targets. Tim Ferriss of "4-Hour Workweek" fame is an advisory board member.

4. Diabetes Companion: The exclusive feature on this app is its content, powered by the Internet channel dLife, which had been broadcast on CNBC for several years. Also, its expert answers database holds responses to more than 4,000 questions. In addition to tracking blood glucose data, it also offers recipes and carb-counting tools.

5. EndoGoal: Developed by Jen Dyer, MD, MPH, an endocrinologist in private practice in Columbus, Ohio, the app's selling point is financial reward. Patients can earn incentives in the form of Visa gift cards if they check their blood sugar levels at least four times per day. Dyer says she's planning a clinical trial to see whether it can help lower blood glucose levels over the long run.

6. Lenny: A friendly lion helps kids with type 1 diabetes keep tabs on their carb counting, a task that isn't easy for even adult type 1 diabetics. This app was developed by Medtronic, but it's not the only one developed by big pharma.

7. GoMeals: Sanofi is behind this tracker, which claims to do more than just count calories. It lists nutrition information for thousands of foods and dishes from popular restaurants and grocery stores, powered by the CalorieKing database. It can also keep tabs on physical activity and blood glucose levels.

8. MyFitnessPal: This app isn't specific to diabetes, but several experts said they rely on it for helping patients make diet and lifestyle changes. It claims to have the largest database of all iPhone calorie counters, and offers advice on 350 different types of exercise.

9. MediSafe Virtual Pillbox: Again, this app isn't diabetes-specific, but diabetes patients make up a large proportion of its users. Clinicians told MedPage Today they like it because it reminds patients to take their meds, which increases compliance -- and, theoretically, improves outcomes.

For Clinician Use:

10. Endo Tools: This app was developed by Johnson Thomas, MD, an endocrinology fellow who saw a gap in smartphone references tailored to endocrinologists' needs. Its centerpieces include clinical calculators and a thyroid cancer staging tool. Thomas says uptake has thus far been big among other endocrine fellows -- he's had about 2,000 downloads since it was published in the app store in 2012.

11. Endocrinology & Endocrine Emergencies: Endocrine fellows are also into this reference app, developed by Leslie De Groot, MD. The idea is to provide information at the point of care, with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, pathophysiology, guidelines, and follow-up.

Of course, this is hardly an exhaustive list, since app development is a hot field. There were a handful of other apps that clinicians said they used or suggested, and they're grouped here because their offerings are similar.

Other apps interface with specific devices, including the iBGStar Diabetes Manager by Sanofi, which works with BGStar and iBGstar meters, the WaveSense Diabetes Manager, compatible with AgaMatrix glucose meters, and the Diabetes Pal, designed to work with Telcare blood glucose meters -- although most all of these allow for manual input so the company-specific meter isn't required.

Everyday Health, MedPage Today's parent company, has also developed two patient-facing diabetes apps. Diabetes In Check helps patients track their blood sugar, calorie intake, and activity, while the Diabetes What Now app helps those recently diagnosed navigate their new challenges.

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